In recent weeks much has been said and felt about the handling of Black History Month at this university. To understand the importance that Black History Month holds in the hearts of blacks across America one must understand its significance. Black History Month was created to bring national attention to the contributions made by black people throughout American History. Blacks have contributed to literature art agricultural advancements foods clothing styles music language and social and technological innovations to American culture. Although some may deem it unfair or unnecessary to have a month dedicated to black history many people in the Pepperdine community believe it to be a complete necessity. Black History Month is a time in which people of all ethnicities can take pride in the fact that voices of a culture that were once ignored and deemed irrelevant are now celebrated and embraced. Too many people are not aware of the contributions made by people of color. It is through this month’s celebration that knowledge is spread. The same concept extends to other heritage history months. How many people know that Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15? Or that Native American Heritage Month is in November? What about the fact that Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is in May? All of these months are significant and should be recognized accordingly. The celebrations to commemorate the contributions of all people of color need to be seen as more than a shallow ritual or an attempt at reverse racism. There would not be a need for these commemorative months if there were adequate representation in the canon of Western education. Minimal effort has been made to thoroughly educate Americans about race; the extent of their knowledge is acquired through watered-down 7th grade U.S. History courses that paint a muted picture of America. It is a disgrace that some people do not know that many Chinese laborers completed the transcontinental railroad that the longest confirmed prisoner of war of the conflict in Vietnam was a decorated Hispanic pilot named Everett Alvarez and that racism – even though America has its first black president – still exists. Black History Month is also a chance for blacks to connect with each other and recognize the struggles that their history is built on however cloudy it may be. To a point clarity is lost because of the lack of ties to the origins of their ancestors. Many people do not know that one of the reasons “African-American” was adopted as an official title for blacks is because it encompasses the continent of Africa as a geographic marker to compensate for the limited knowledge of their exact countries of origin. It is the equivalent of a man wrapping gauze over his entire arm because he cannot locate the paper cut on his finger. Celebrating Black History Month without an understanding of its cultural relevance would be pointless and yes it would reasonably solicit complaints. Before one decides that this tradition is negative though he or she should make an effort to understand the history pride and passion behind the Black History Month. Under those circumstances Black History Month becomes a celebration for people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds as it is an equal chapter in the epic story of America.